Saturday, 29 July 2017

Sanctions: statement of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affiars

Russia’s
Foreign Ministry’s statement on the U.S. counter-sanctions

On
July 27, the US Congress passed a new bill on tougher anti-Russia
sanctions. This measure is further proof of the Unites States’
extremely hostile foreign policy. Hiding behind its sense of
superiority, the United States arrogantly ignores the stances and
interests of other countries.

It
is common knowledge that the Russian Federation has been doing
everything in its power to improve bilateral relations, to encourage
ties and cooperation with the US on the most pressing issues on the
international agenda including fighting terrorism, proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, illegal drug trafficking, illegal
migration, cybercrime, etc. Our understanding has been that we can
only solve these global problems if we work together. We believe the
majority of people in the world share this approach.

Meanwhile,
the United States is using Russia’s alleged interference in its
domestic affairs as an absolutely contrived excuse for its
persevering and crude campaigns against Russia. This activity
contradicts the principles of international law, the UN Charter, WTO
regulations and, simply, the standards of civilised international
communication.

The
United States continues to pass more unlawful sanctions against
Russia, to seize Russia’s diplomatic property, which is formalised
in binding bilateral documents, and to deport Russian diplomats. This
is clearly a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations and generally recognised diplomatic practices.

The
adoption of the new sanctions bill is an obvious indication that
relations with Russia are being dragged down by political infighting
in the United States. Moreover, the new bill uses political means to
create a dishonest competitive advantage for the US in the global
economy. This blackmail aimed at restricting Russia’s cooperation
with its foreign partners threatens many countries and international
businesses.

Despite
Washington’s constant outbursts, we have adhered to responsible and
reserved behaviour and have not responded to express provocations
until now. However, the latest events confirm that certain circles in
the US are fixated on Russophobia and open confrontation with our
country.

–
Therefore,
we request that our American counterparts bring the number of
diplomatic and technical staff at the US Embassy in Moscow, the
consulates general in St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok,
into strict correspondence with the number of Russian diplomats and
technical staff currently working in the United States, until
September 1, 2017. This means that the total number of American
diplomatic and consular office employees in the Russian Federation
must be reduced to 455 people. In the event of further unilateral
action on behalf of US officials to reduce the Russian diplomatic
mission in the US, we will respond accordingly.

–
Starting
August 1, the use of all the storage facilities on Dorozhnaya Street
in Moscow and the country house in Serebryany Bor will be suspended
from use by the US Embassy.

Russia
reserves the right to resort to other measures affecting US’
interests on a retaliatory basis.